What is the responsibility of a maitre d' in a restaurant?

The maitre d' plays a crucial role in the overall operation and guest experience of a restaurant. Their primary responsibility includes managing the waitstaff and overseeing reservations. This management ensures that the dining service runs smoothly, from seating guests to coordinating the staff's duties during service. By maintaining an efficient workflow and ensuring that guests are seated in a timely manner, the maitre d' contributes significantly to customer satisfaction and the restaurant's reputation.

In addition to managing the waitstaff, the maitre d' typically serves as the first point of contact for patrons, setting the tone for the dining experience. They may greet guests, explain the menu, and accommodate special requests, further enhancing the dining experience through attentive and personalized service.

While the other roles mentioned, such as cooking meals, handling customer complaints, or selecting menu items, are important, they fall under different positions within the restaurant hierarchy. The maitre d' focuses more on the front-of-house operations and ensuring a seamless dining experience, which is why managing the waitstaff and reservations is their primary responsibility.